


^< 



ORIGINAL^ 



JUVENILE POETRY 



CONSISTING OF 



IiOVE LETTERS, lOYE TALES, ACROSTICS., &c., &c., &e. 



DESIGNED TO AMUSE 



THE YOUNG 

y 



Poetry is a lovely theme, 
Even if viewed in a dream. 



RICHMOND : 

LEWELLEN & DRINKARD, 
Book Aod Job Printers, Governor Street, between Main aod Frftuklin. 

1850. 



PREFACE. 

O I heavenly muse direct my mind^ 
That pleasure in writing I may find ; 
That I may write that which is true, 
And bring many hidden things to view. 
If I should err in this small book, 
I hope allj my faults, will overlook ; 
I hope some youth in a future day 
Will, a wiser part than this, display. 
My design in this book is not gain. 
But simply that this work may remain. 
I hope that it will yield to the mind, 
The pleasures which are to it consigned ; 
If it should alford any delight, 
I am satisfied, and all is right.' 

THE AUTHOR. 



LITERATURE. 

As a tap-root of civilization, 

Is Literature to every nation, 

The polisher of the human mind. 

With Virtue and Art to it consigned — 

The cynosure of love and peace, 

That causes science to increase — 

Religion's most sincere ally, 

Forever aiding — forever nigh — 

Whose blessings are from east to west. 

With the contented and distressed. 

If a man be distressed and alone. 

He can have this comfort for his own. 

If he has obtained it in his time, 

For in its nature it is sublime. 

If he be void of a worldly friend, 

This is one on whom he may depend. 

Wherever he goes it will go, 

The right road to him it will show. 

As long as he lives it will live, 

Advice how to die, it will give. 

When troubles do a man surround. 

And scarcely a friend can be found, 

Literature lends him its aid, 

And guides him " thro' the dreadful shade." 

When he has spent his darksome day, 

And lies intermingled with clay, 

Though day to him may be as night, 

It dilates his works still quite bright. 



AMATORY.— MY FATHER LOVED BEFORE ME., 

They may condemn love, if they choose. 
And connubial bliss abuse, 
But I have determined to love. 
Because 'tis willed by God aboV'e5 
And right, 1 am sure, it must be, 
For my father lo\ed before me. 

The atrocious misogamist, 
May try to blmd the amorist. 



By saying lore is a passion, 
Supported by fools and fashion* 
To this I never will agree, 
For my father loved before me. 

Ever since the grand creation, 
Love has been in operation. 
And if 1 am questioned why, 
I should approve of love so high, 
This I intend to be my plea. 
My good father loved before me. 

And pretty girls ! I love you all. 
My heart you daily enthrall; 
In your company I delight, 
Which I am certain, must be right t 
The reason my mind is so free, 
My good father loved before me. 

Sweet girls ! it never can be told,. 
How many charms you do unfold ; 
And I will love and wait on you. 
If this I am allowed to do : 
Yes, wait on, yes with great glee^ 
For my father loved before me. 

As long as I can raise my voice 
I will be inclined to rejoice. 
To hear of love, in any land. 
Reigning with sovereign command 
The reason ycu may plainly see. 
For my father loved before me. 



THE HORSE. 

Behold all the animals here on earth, 

Mark their symmetry, and point out their worth; 

And say if there are any in creation 

As useful as ihe horse to this nation. 

He is to be found all over the land, 

And yet he is always in great demand — 

He is used all over the land, far and wide. 

To do much work, and also to ride. 

Mark hh yearly worth all o'er the nation,,. 

His daily use in every station — 



Say if there can be found a substitute, 

To perform the same as this useful brute? 

No, there is not an animal to be found, 

Enriched with the qualities he is crowned. 

He is the animal Ave commonly use 

All over the country, to circulate news, 

For news is mostly forwarded by mail. 

To send it on horseback we seldom fail. 

View this animal in the sprightly race, 

Displaying at once his wonderful grace, 

And eagerly swelling every vein, 

In order that his good master may gain — 

Panting and trembling, all his power he tries. 

To win for his master the grateful prize. 

Behold him in the field of battle, too, 

Delighting in the horrible view ; 

The dangerous arms he cares not to shun, 

Rushing on, that victory may be won. 

Go see his great use on a rainy day, 

Collecting people from every way, 

Rolling behind him the chariot wheels. 

Although the painful thong he feels. 

Go see the poor farmer, every year, 

Take this animal and put on his gear, 

And lead him off, and harness him to the plough, 

To " earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. " 

He is to the farmer of use indeed, 

To keep liis family from direful need ; 

It is mostly through his bountiful aid 

That the farmer':? crops are commonly made. 

He is the most useful animal to man, 

The beast of burden in every clan ; 

He is the animal that is controlled, 

In most societies, by young and old. 

Men of every profession must confess 

That the most of the wealth they possess 

Is obtained by the labor of this beast, 

Yes, we may say perhaps, two-thirds at least. 

He is in his manners forgiving and mild. 

He will yield to the command of a child ; 

And who ever saw the good useful steed 

Pout and fret over his scanty feed? 

If he is only with water supplied. 

And a pknty of food, he is satisfied. 

Pcay, then, why should we ever treat amiss 



An animal so very good as this ? 
Ah, we should be struck with remorse 
Whenever we abuse the worthy horse. 
He is the best animal in every plan, 
That ever was made for the use of man. 

ON THE NATIVITY OF A YOUNG LADY. 

"Arise, shine : for thy light is come, and the glory of the 
Lord is risen upon thee." — Isaiah Ix. 1. 

Hail sacred day, hail lovely morn. 
On which, nature's fairest was born I 
Heaven's powers were all combined. 
And all the Godheads had in mind — 
To form an angel, great in grade. 
But, lo ! it proved to be this maid ! 
Angels vieing her grace and birth, 
Invoked to have her placed on earth; 
Although on earth she has been placed, 
With all their charms, still she is graced. 

Sing heavenly muse, a sweet song ! 
To her, seraphic strains belong ; 
Born on the first day of the Spring, 
She is lovely in every thing. 
Yes, she is first on beauty's list. 
Excelling all who do exist. 
With every philter she is graced- — 
Possessed of such a charming wuist;- 
She, with her black alluring eyes, 
Fills all her lovers with surprise. 

Hail, sacred day 1 I bid you hail ! ! 
On which was born, this sweet female! 
Now in the blossom of her youth, 
She bears in her mind this truth. 
If there are no blossoms in the Spring, 
No Iruit, that year, the trees wi-ll bring. 
The cares of life she contemplates, 
And her future wea! meditates : 
Some of every day and night, she 
Passes away in reverie. 

Sing, heavenly muse! -n this day, 
Was born Miss Ophelia A * * • * ; 



Her equal is not to be found, 
Her angelic mind has no bound. 
May sorrow never her molest, 
May troubles never enter her breast ; 
May her beauty never fade, 
Until in the grave she is laid : 
May her feeble poet ever aim, 
To celebrate her dear name. 



ADVICE OF A MATRON TO HER DAUGHTER, 

My daughter, my daughter, to you, this fair day, 
I'll give some advice, without longer delay ; 
The advice I'll give you, I hope you'll take, 
And your promise to me, you will not break : 
You promise! ne'er to marry against my will. 
Remember the same with re.*pcct, and fulfil. 
Now, Fanny, my daughter, you are not grown. 
And quite inexperienced, I'm sure you'll own, 
For you know you are now only seventeen. 
And few of the snares of this life you have seen; 
Therefore, as you are young, you may be taken in. 
And I know good husbands to be very thin. 
I'm older than you, and I have told you before 
This world consists of snares, you maybe sure; 
Then take m}* advice, and patiently tarry, 
And beware, my child, as to whom you marry, 
For many amiable girls in this world, 
By marrying carelessly, have been in ruin hurled. 
The most of young ladies, I know, are like you, 
They are apt to be fond of things that are new, 
But reme iit)er when even you buy a new dress, 
That when old it becomes, you fancy it less. 
Whenever you marry, it will be for life. 
For death alone ought to part man and wife. 
Beware, my daughter, of those prodigal beaux 
That ride fat horses, and dress in fine clothes, 
For all of their show is pretty much disguise, 
And 's just calculated to deceive girls' eyes. 
Behold thoi>e dandies, at church, how they show, 
And perhaps for all of their finery they owe. 
Again, Fanny, lovers are in disguise, 
'Tis seldom we know them to prove otherwise ; 
Thej promise great things, and tell many a tale. 



8 

But in the end, they are very apt to fail, 
For they generally marry for estate, 
And girls find it so, after it 's too late. 
But I don't say all lovers practise deceit, 
But 'tis often the case with many we meet. 
And now when you are of the right age to wed. 
Bear in your mind what your mother has said, 
And never you promise to marry any lover, 
Until his morals you do discover. 
And now it may be of great use to you 
To tell you whom to marry, vrhich I'll do : 
There 's a young man — temperate and wise. 
Superfluities he never owns nor buys, 
For economy engages his shrewd mind — 
Marry him, my daughter, he 's rightly inclined. 
Never you mind, Fanny, what other girls may say. 
Take my advice, and you'll not be led astray, 
And a girl ought to take her mother's advice, 
Regardless of all the foes that entice. 
My advice to you, I'll hereafter increase, 
But for the present time^ I will cease. 



THE MORN, THE MORNING. 

Arise, O my consort, arise! 

Dispel the slumber from your eyes, 

Behold the beauty of the skies! 

The air is fresh, the air is pure, 

I pray it may ever endure. 

Lose not the beauty of the morn. 

Behold the Jambs skip on the lawn. 

Now hear the birds, they are so sweet, 

With their throats tuned, the morn they greet. 

The Screech-Owl has flown to the swamp, 

And the Sun is coming in great pomp ; 

The light has flashed from East to West, 

And the darkness it has suppressed. 

All nature seems so grand and gay, 

God's mighty works he does display. 

The beasts of the forest have stirred. 

To hail the light on them conferred. 

Dame Nature is now in motion. 

Distributing her daily portion — 

if we are sleep we'll lose ours, 

For we are under her powers. 



Night she has given us for sleep, 
Her gentle laws, we should all keep : 
Day she has given us for work. 
Then why should we in idleness lurk? 
No, never idle, like a drone, 
Ruin, for himself, he has sown, 
I am a constant adorer 
Of the fair Goddess Aurora. 
I love to hail her every m.orn— 
Those sun-up naps I'll ever scorn. 
Soon as the day breaks in the East, 
Let both, the largest and the least, 
Employ their time in usefulness, 
That their wants they may suppress. 
Arise, O my consort, arise ! , 

It '11 give you health and make you wise . 

AN ADDRESS TO THE GOOSE. 

Hail, flattering queen of the feathered race, 

Your qualities bid me you to hail — 
'Tis ever with pleasure that I trace 
Your aspect in yon grassy vale. 
There with pleasure you do lave 

Daily in the transparent pool, 
Unfurling thy pinions on the wave, 

Refreshing tliy body with cool. 
There with pleasure and with ease. 

Swimming round the v/atcr's edge. 

You do welcome Aurora's breeze, 

Feeding on the watery sedge. 

Aquatic fowl, who can't perceive, 

From the value of your dress, 

(And even skeptics must believe,) 

Your plumage to be peerless. 

Concerning you, deserving goose, 

With equity it may be said 
Nations are blest with your produce 

From you ihey obtain the uselul bed 
On which both sexes, young and old, 

Either in healih, or with pains oppressed. 
In summer's heat, or winter's cold, 

Lie dormant, and take their rest. 
Wheedling fowl, the judicious men 

Of every nation are your debtors — 



10 



You do supply them with the pen 

Which they use in writing letters. 
Thus 1 have expressed, worthy goose, 

Whence we obtain our pens and beds, 
Which to us are of great use, 

To employ our minds and rest ourheads. 
And now, before I bid you adieu, 

Let me solicit every dame, 
As well as other persons, too, 

To celebrate your worthy name. 



POOR ANN FARE'S SOLILOaUY. 

My name is Ann Farr, 

And much I can do, 
And my parents are 

Respectable too. 
But I have no wooer. 
Why ? Because I am poor. 

I'm told that I'm smart, 

I judge none amiss — 
Love dwells in my heart, 

But none cares for this. 
Ah ! I have no wooer, 
Why? Because I am poor. 

I'm told by each friend 

That I am a beauty : 
Love I will defend 

For it is my duty. 
But I have no wooer, 
Why ? Because I am poor. 

I am told by the wise. 
And they ought to know. 

That I'm of a size 
To suit every beau. 

But I have no wooer. 

Why ? Because I am poor. 

I go neatly dressed, 

And corsets I wear, 
But I'm not caressed, 

Though I am called fair 



11 

Ah ! I have no wooer. 
Why? Because I am poor. 

But if I had pelf, 
Where 'er 1 might go, 

I believe myself, 

I would have a beau. 

But I have no wooer, 

Why ? Because I am poor. 

Now I am twenty-one, 

And am of course free- 
But still there is none, 
That will marry me. 
Ah ! I have no wooer, 
Why ? Because I am poor. 

I will be an old maid, 

I fear I'll be so — 
In tne grave I may be laid. 

And ne'er have a beau. 
Tes, never have a wooer. 
Why ? Because I am poor. 



PART OF A TEMPERANCE SPEECH. 

Now I will tell you a small tale, 
And if it proves to be but frail, 
I hope you will hear me tell it, 
Though most any may excel it. 
I commence my tale in this way — 
There was a man whose name was Day, 
He lived in a certain county, 
And was a youth of great bounty. 
This young man was wealthy indeed. 
He had great industry and heed. 
He was familiar and polite. 
And in learning he did delight- 
He was so exceedingly wise 
He filled his friends full of surprise — 
He had been to a great college. 
And had stored up useful knowledge- 
He could refute the words of the wise. 
He was so full of enterprise. 



12 



This youth, of course, tve may know, 

Was an unrivalled beau. 

In the same county there lived a belle, 

The most of ladies she did excel. 

She was amazingly rich, too, 

And tlicn she had but rivals few. 

She was the fairest of the fair, 

And all her qualities were rare, 

She was the wisest of the wise. 

She was of a beautiful size, 

She was called by the beaux a prize. 

She had been to an institute,* 

E'en a rich prince she might suit, 

She was so perfectly acule. 

Now this youijg lady and young man 

Became acquainted, and began 

To love by mutual consent, 

And a flourishing pair did present. 

They became to each other dear. 

They became each other's compeer, 

And as they were both opulent, 

They lived for awhile quite content. 

But, O, alas ! their honey moon 

Was over entirely too soon. 

The husband, tliough t mperate at first. 

This temperance he now dispersed. 

He began to drink by degrees. 

And soon deprived his clan of ease — 

He drank on for seveial years. 

And his wife began to shed tears. 

She had been temperate from her birth, 

Thousands of pounds she had been worth. 

But now she was to be made poor. 

How could she this downfall endure? 

She wished not to be degraded, 

So her husband she persuaded 

To leave off drink, and drink no more, 

But, ah, he drank worse than before, 

For he continued lo drink on. 

And his property soon was gone — 

He cared not what was his lot, 

If a plenty of brandy he got. 



•Buckingham Institute. 



13 



Anon he had a bloated face, 
He would n't go to a public place, 
Because he was so full of disgrace. 
And thus he lived, and thus he died, 
And thus ended his youthful pride. 
O! was not this a dreadful life ? 
He left ten children and a wife — 
And this is the worst part of my tale, 
He left them in Poverty's vale. 
For themselves they had to provide, 
Each child without a father's guide. 
Thus ends the life of the sot — 
His name will soon be forgot. 
For infamy must be his lot. 
Now, allow me to advise the young, 
Though I have a fallible tongue, 
For the old I will not advise, 
For I am foolish, but they are wise. 
But I would say to young and old, 
That their passions must be controlled. 
Now, young gentlemen, understand 
That you are in fair Freedom's land — 
The most of your time you have to spend. 
With trials you have to contend, 
But ne'er let drunkenness be your end. 
For remember this, the wise, the great. 
Drunkenness can exterminate — 
Oh ! never come under this fate. 
" Be ye temperate in all things," 
Health alone from temperance springs. 
O ! touch not the baneful stuff. 
For it is the creator of huff. 
Oh, Brandys Brandy, Brandy, oh ! 
Thod great establisher of wo. 
When will the sons of this world know 
The countless evils that from you flow? 
When will you abdicate your laws, 
And yield to the temperance cause ? 
When will you cease to ruin man? 
Our brightest hopes you do make wan. 
Some of the best in the nation 
You have filled witli vexation. 
Lots of women you have made widows, 
(But God their welfare considers,) 
^Lots of orphans you h?ive made so. 



14 



You are to man his greatest foe ; 
Lots of youths you have degraded, 
Rosy-cheeked girls you have faded ; 
You have made the richest but poor, 
You are the constant evil doer ; 
The wise you have made foolish too — 
You are enough to make all rue. 
Oh, thou dam of dissipation, 
Depart, depart, from our nation ! 
Depart, depart, forevermore! 
May virtue spread from shore to shore- 
May drunkenness forever cease, 
May the temperance cause increase. 



WILLIAM AND MARY, THE MUTUAL LOVERS. 

William's letter to mary. 

O fair employer of my mind ! 

One dear request, I ask of you — 
You are worth the world combined, 

You are the lass, I love to woo. 
Miss Mary ! I love none but t'lee, 

I hope the time is drawing near. 
When I and you may be termed we, 

shall it be so my fair dear? 
Miss Mary ! whatever I do, 

1 appropriate all my time, 
In endeavoring to please you — 

Your name, I ever will berhyme. 
You will ever be, to me, dear, 

f love you for your mental grace — 
All of your hours are, to me clear, 

I delight in seeing thy face. 
Most of my thoughts are about you, 

I even see you in my dreams — 
All you can say or you can do, 

Perfectly right, to me, it seems. 
Miss Mary ! I have a dwelling, 

Where I desire you to abide — 
How I love you there's no telling, 

For you I would love to provide. 
Dear Mai y ! come to my abode, 

And make my house a blissful dome, 
Let your love on me, be bestowed, 



O ^t my dwelling be your home* 
To please you, I will endeavor, 

All I have, to you I'll give ; 
My love, for you, death may sever, 

But I will love you while I live. 
To my request, will you agree 

Dear Mary ! will you marry me? 



Mary's answer to William's letter. 

Dear William ! 1 know your request, 

For I have received your letter : 
You love, 10 me, you have confessed, 

And now I love you still better. 
To hear from you, i was delighted, 

I love you in a great degree : 
Yes, we will soon be united. 

And your name is the name for me. 
When I reflect on your dear name, 

My heart at once is full of glee, 
To think ihat mine will be the same. 

And that happy I then will be. 
Ihave loved you full years ago, 

But I could not then confess it. 
And now, my love for you is so. 

That tongue never can express it. 
Your love is imprinted on my miad. 

By your poetical art ; 
Your name is round my heart entwined. 
Which nought but death can dispart. 
Your wit is of a superior kind, 

Whence my happiness shall spring; 
I knov/ your love to be refined. 

And you please me in every thing. 
Yes, I will go to your household, 

As willing as woman can be. 
Our names as one will be enrolled. 

And we will, through our lives agree. 
And here is my hand and my heart, 

I willingly submit to you ; 
Our love, death alone, shall dispart. 

And all you desire I will do. 
Your dear request 1 will fulfil, 
a will marry you, yes, I wilL 



m 

A COMMENT ON THE MUTUAL L0t^jfe'Ef3>, 

We may by reading the above, 
See the course of mutual love. 
Mutual love gives happiness. 
Which husband und wife should possess; 
William and Mary da confess, 
Love for each other^ they possess ; 
They w^ill spend their days in pleasure. 
For love is their golden treasure. 
A treasure^ which, a king might vie, 
And wish it for his life's ally. 
A treasure, which the world willowu/ 
Lies nearest to Jehovah's throne. 
William and Mary are content, 
A flourishing pair they present, 
Their days in wisdom will be spent. 
Most of their time, they appropriate,' 
Preparing for a future state ; 
Their minds they strictly cultivate, 
Pleasure they will accumulate. 
And their wealth is already great. 
They will travel the path of life, 
Yes, mutually, without strife. 
They are temperate, just and kind, 
And felicity they will find. 
After they close this life's affairs. 
Eternal glory will be theirs. 



A L©VS TAIiE. 
The ARteuMENT— a young man in a love scrape^ — he courts 
girl,' who turns him ofF-^hence a love-lorn ditty. 

When I was of the age of eighteen, 

Like most of youths, I thought myself keen. 

I was remarkably fond of dress, 

And clothes were the most I did possess. 

I said I would marry and be blest. 

For I was then with love oppressed. 

And all the money that 1 could make, 

I laid out in dress for the girls' sake. 

I believed if I could appeax fine, 

Some fair maiden would be mine. 

I put on my besti and wetvtJaboul.. 



17 

Looking at the girls, with little doubt. 

To tell the truth, wherever I went, 

The most of my time in love I spent, 

For I was then in the loving mood, 

And in truth here is what I pursued : 

I, one day, (1 had finished my labor,) 

Went to visit my nearest neighbor. 

And as soon as I had arrived there, 

I beheld a lass, in beauty, rare, 

This lass I had never seen before, 

And as I gazed and entered the door, 

I was quickly introduced to her. 

Which on such cases oft occur. 

This fair maid lived in a certain town, 

And was known to be of great renown, 

She had come out of town to see her friends, 

And here this part of my story ends. 

But to have my story more complete, 

I was finally asked to take a seat, 

In the same room, in which she sat, 

Where one and all united in chat. 

We conversed about various things ; 

(My mind was wafted on passion's wings,) 

And I found the maid to be so smart, 

That she readily reigned over my heart. 

From what I have said you may infer, 

That I, at once, fell in love with her. 

But I only glanced a sheep's-eye. 

At her in a manner strangely shy. 

This lass was a most beauteous belle, 

And I own she fairly did excel 

Any maiden 1 had ever seen. 

And her looks, my love thoughts did convene, 

This beautiful girl was to me dear, 

I waited on her at least a year, 

For I was then in love, doating 

And this bonny girl, was courting. 

I went to see her on a Sunday 

And stayed all day, and till Monday. 

I told her that she was to me dear, 

That she had not, in the world, a peer. 

I took a seat by her gentle side. 

And asked her a favor — she denied. 

I took her by her white-lily hand. 

And spoke these words to her quite bland— 



18 



*' O, sweet and beloved girl, " said I, 

" I have love for you, a full supply, 

I am deeply enamored with you, 

Prithee, sweet girl, do you love me too? " 

She turned from me, and thus replied, 

'\ Your horse you rode here, was made to ride, 

And the pain of love you may endure, 

I'll not marry you, you may be sure. " 

When I heard this dreadful sentence past, 

I exclaimed, I am ruined at last. 

All my earthly joy is preterit. 

My vain life ! I cannot better it. 

1 then mounted my useful steed, 

And put off for home in full speed. 

And as I rode pensively along, 

1 bore in my mind this love-lorn song — 

I v^ish that I never had been borne, 

To have lived till now, and now love-lorn—' 

I loved too much, I am forsaken, 

I thought she loved, I was mistaken. 

All my pleasure is but a bubble, 

IVIy life consists only in trouble — " 

For a soother of life I did woo, 

I am discarded, and left to rue. 

O, who can tell me what 1 must dcy 

You that have been love-lorn, pray, cah you r 

If you can tell, I pray you to say. 

That 1 may know it, without delay. 

O, AbsencCj to your bower I Avill retreat, 

And to you this tale I will repeat — 

If you are for love a certain cure. 

Deliver me from this I endure. 

If you are for love a safe refuge. 

Save me from this monster Love, so huge, 

I am sure you are my only hope. 

You can with this mighty monster cope, 

You can, I am sure, his power invade, 

Oh, refuse me not your soothing aid. 

One more favor I ask you to do. 

Friend Absence, and then I will be through — 

It is this, above all, I desire, 

Teach those that come to you to inquire. 

If there should a youth, like me, love-lorn. 

Come to you, oh, treat him not with scorn, 

But receive him, and teach him his lore, 



19 

That all his sufferings may be o'er. 
Teach him that every pretty maid, 
Like the morning's flowers, must soon fade." 
Ah, tell him that though they are so neat. 
All their pageantry is mere deceit. 
O, Absence, take me to your behest, 
And those that are with love opprest. 
I pray you to mitigate my fate, 
And meliorate my love-lorn state. 



A HINT OF MY SWEETHEART. 

WRITTEN BY REq,UEST OF A YOUNG GENTLEMAN. 

There is a choice belle I call mine, 
To marry her is my design — 
None in the world can rival her, 
And she is the nymph I prefer. 
She is of a beautiful height, 
And truJy is my heart's delight. 
She has handsomely auburn hair. 
She has an angelic air — • 
She has charmingly azure eyes, 
She is not only fair but wise. 
She has a good education, 
And is the best in any nation. 
But 1 will not tell her name. 
For I am sure, I would be to blame, 
And e'en might make her shame. 



A LOVE LETTER TO MISS OLIVIA. 

Deau Olivia: — In taking the privilege of writing to you, I 
must, in the first place, apologize to you for so doing ; but not 
}iaving heard from you since you left home — you whose welfare 
concerns me so much — that I cannot any longer forbear to write 
you a few lines, hoping that they will find you enjoying good 
health, and graced with the same roseate hue of perfection, that 
adorned your mien so much, as I looked back upon you, when 1 
saw you last* 

O ! dear employer of my mind, 

I delight in writing to you — 
You are worth this world combined, 
You are the nymph I love to woo. 
Tiiere is no news in this vicinity worth communicating to you. 



20 

Your father's family is all well. I have been there since you 
left, where 1 spent the hours with the usual air of gratitude for 
having the pleasure of visiting the birth-place and mansion of so 
lovely a damsel as you. All thereabouts were sedate, but your 
presence, dear Olivia, was wanting to give beauty and eclat to 
the surrounding scenery. 

Your presence, to me, makes all things sheer. 

Otherwise it cannot be — 
For without your charms Olivia, dear. 

This world has no charms for me. 
Dear Olivia ! whatever I do, ^ ^.^ _ _;; 

I appropriate all my time 
In endeavoring to please you, 

Your name I ever will berhyme. 

Before the wane of another moon, I hope to have a personal 
interview with you. 

Whatever I may have in my view, 

To you I will fondly own — 
For I only care to live for you, 
I live for you alone- 
Yes, you are the apple of my eye and the tap-root of my 
heart ; and this is the burden of my song and the motto of my pe- 
ricardium. 

Devotedly 1 will love no other but you. 
All of my life, my lifetime through. 
Most of my thoughts are about you, 

I even see you in my dreams — 
All you can say or you can do. 
Perfectly right, to me, it seems. 

Dear Olivia, wherever you may be that self-same place is a 
little Elysium to me. 

You have ever been dear to me. 
And will ever be the same — 
My pen is employed and it shall be 

To eternize your name. 
To please you, I will endeavor, 

My heart, to no other, I give — 
My love for you, death may sever, 
But I will love you while I live. 
My letter, I must now close, and return to my less duties of life. 
May happiness attend you through all the future labyrinths of 
time. Farewell, dear Olivia, farewell. This letter is from 
Your most devoted lover and feeble poet, R. 



21 

A LOVE LETTER TO MISS LUCV. 

Such is the state of things with me, 
And so it appears it must be, 
That I, dear Lucy, can't forbear, 
Bat to you I'll fondly declare 
The true love that I have for you, 
Which in reality is true. 
I therefore take my pen in hand, 
To yield to Cupid's mild command. 
I hope these lines will find you well, 
Thou fair and fascinating belle, 
Thou fairest of the human race. 
Excelling with unrivalled grace. 
I beg leave, dear Lucy, to say 
That ever since that lucky day 
On which 1 was introduced to you, 
]\o other have I had in view ; 
And truly at the present time. 
My love for you is in full prime- 
Poets say morning's dreams are true, 
And I, my love, have dreamed of you. 
My future wo, or happiness. 
Depends on you, I must confess, 
For I am deeply in love with you. 
Dear Lucy, do you love me too ? 
O, thou most affectionate beauty. 
To love you, I think my duty. 
No other I can love so dear, 
Knowing that. you. have no peer. 
O; thou most amiable fair, 
All will confess that you are rare. 
And, O, that I could now express 
My love to you in this address. 
But I cannot in this letter, 
Express ray love any better. 
Because in a letter so small, 
1 never can express it all. 
I'll personally address you. 
Which anon I intend to do. 
'Tis needless for me to say more. 
But I'll say, as I've said before, 
That I'm deeply in love with you, 
Dear Lucy, do you love me too ? 
Pray, dear girl, answ.er the aboY«>, 



To gratify my heart, in love. 

And now my letter I must close^ 

Which I think distinctly shows 

To you what 1 intend to do, 

And whom I now have in my view — 

And 1 hope you do discover 

That I am your sincere lover. s. e. x. 



THE ACROSTICS. 

ON THE WORD LASS — BY REQUEST OF A YOUNG MAN. 

Love attend every lass, 
All persons else they surpass — • 
Sweet they are, I must confess. 
Supreme qualities they possess. 



ON THE WORD YOUTH BY REQUEST OF A YOUNG LADY. 

Young men, Nature directs me to love you, 
Often I love to have you in my view — 
Unless I'm in your company, I'm dissatisfied^ 
Truly I wish to be some young man's bride, 
Hymen, my footsteps, I desire to guide. 



ON THE WORD LOVE. 

Love is the most powerful passion. 
Opulence often directs its course, 

Verified this is by the fashion. 

Every belle and beau yield to its force. 



ON THE WORD GOLD. 

Grateful this precious metal is to all, 
Oft it has been the cause of a downfall — 
Loved it is by all, and by all sought for. 
During the time of peace, and during war. 



A COMPOUND ACROSTIC ON TEMPERANCE AND DRUNKENNESS^ 

Truly, I am the way to prosperity — 
Dangerous I am to posterity. 



Enriched as I am, I distribute wealth — 
Ruinous I am to both wealth and health. 
Many people and nations I have blest — 
Unnumbered families I have distressed. 
Prosperity to my friends I afford — 
Numberless votaries with wo I load. 
Erudition and improvement I aid — 
Knowledge and refinement I degrade. 
Religion I aid in every nation — 
Engaged I am, too, in dissipation. 
Allotted to man, I am, as a guide — 
Nothing that's good, I ever provide. 
No one that practises me is deceived — 
Nowhere scarcely are my lovers believed. 
Charming I should be to every one — 
Erased I should be from under the sun. 
Evermore, throughout time, I will be bright — 
Soon my votaries, and their names too, blight, 
So I will soon be canceled out of siarht. 



ON THE NAME OF OPHELIA ANGELINA. 

Of all the na-nes that are, for there are many, 
Peerless this one is, yes, it excels any — 
Heavenly in its nature, it is sublime, 
Elegant indeed it is. from time to time, 
Like an evergreen, it shall ne'er, ne'er fade, 
Indelible it is, itis of the first grade, 
A 11 love and honor, to it, will be paid. 
And dear is this lass, I truly confess. 
Numberless perfections, she does possess. 
Graceful in her form, she is divinely fair. 
Encircled, her brow is with charming black hair. 
Lovely her black eyes are, like those of a dove, 
In truth she is perfect love, yes she is love. 
No perfections there are, but what she does own.; 
Amiableness attends her alone. 



ON THE NAME OF SARAH. 

Sweet is the girl who has this choice name, 
All she excels in beauty and fame ; 
Really she is supremely fair, 
And all her good qualities are rare, 
Hence no-other withher can compare. 



•24 



ON THE NAME OF FRANCE?. 

.Frances is a name very much admired, 
•Renowned it is and by many desired. 
Amiability adorns this fair lass, 
No other lady can her surpass. 
Charming she is in her becoming ways, 
Every one who knows her gives her praise- 
Supi erne perfections she displays. 



ON THE NAME OF MART. 

Many ladies there are who are discreet, 
Among the opulent there are many, 

Renowned for amiableness complete, 
Yet this beautiful fair excels any. 



TO WILLIAM ANDREW SCOTT. 

Whenever I view my list of good friends, 
1 see your name on the first line extends. 
Let time roll on, and disasters maybe, 
Love and respect I will still have for thee. 
In short, my dear friend, whatever 's your lot, 
At all times of life, I forget you not, 
My dear friend, William Andrew Scott. 
All over the country, where you are known, 
None can excel you, the people all own. 
Dear to your friends, your name will e'er be, 
Respected by all in a high degree — 
Even Death,, from me, yrur name cannot blot. 
While I live, William Andrew Scott. 
Success attend you, in all jour affairs 
Constitutes a part in all my prayers. 
Of heaven's bliss, may you be of its heirs. 
Thy name, on earth, shall not be forgot. 
Through ages, William Andrew Scott. 



vfcN ACROSTICAL ORISON ON RICHARD DANIEL WILLS >"AME. 

Remember me, Heavenly King, 
Instruct me in everything, 
Conduct me, in what I perform, 
Homewaud to shelter from the. storm. 



25 



And may I ever act upright, 
Retain mercy, and be polite, 
Doing justice with all my might. 
Devoted, O God, may I be, 
Adoring and believing thee. 
Nui se me, Lord, and make me content, 
Industrious and provident. 
Engage, in religion, my mind. 
Lord, that happiness I may find. 
When, O, my God, the sting of death 
Irresistibly takes my breath. 
Lucky, O, God, may I then be ! 
Lastly received, and blessed by thee. 
Shouting in the highest degree. 



1 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by 

RICHARD DANIEL WILLS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the United States Court for the Eastern 

District of Virginia. 



CONTENTS. 

Preface, ._-..- 2 

Literature, -...-- 3 

My Father loved before me, - - - - 3 

The Horse, ------ 4 

On the Nativity of a Young Lady, - - - 6 
The Advice of a Matron to her Daughter, upon Matrimony, 7 

The Morn, the Morning, . - - - 8 

An Address to the Goose, . - - - 9 

Poor Ann Farr's Soliloquy, - . - 10 

Part of a Temperance Speech, - - - H 
William and Mary, the Mutual Lovers — William's Letter to 

Mary, ....-- 14 

Mary's Answer to William *s Letter, - - - 15 

A Comment on the Mutual Lovers, - - - 16 

A Love Tale, 16 

A Hint of my Sweetheart, . - - - 19 
A Love Letter to Miss Olivia, - _ - 19 
A Love Letter to Miss Lucy, - - - 21 
The Acrostics — An Acrostic on Lass, - - 22 
An Acrostic on Youth, _ - - - 22 
An Acrostic on Love, ----- 22 
An Acrostic on Gold, ----- iiH 
A Compound Acrostic on Temperance and Drunkenness, 22 
An Acrostic on Ophelia Angelina, - - - 23 
An Acrostic on Sarah, _ . - - 03 
An Acrostic on Frances, . . - . 24 
An Acrostic on Mary, , - - - 24 
An Acrostical Epistle to William Andrew Scott, late Lieut. 
Scott, of Company "M," Virginia Regiment of Volun- 
teers in Mexico, ----- 24 
Au Acrostical Orison on Richard Daniel Wills' name, 24 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 256 217 4 # 



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